Sam Louwagie, KCRG-TV9 Sports

The Hawkeyes were struggling to put Northern Iowa away, clinging to a one-point lead in the fourth quarter, when finally they pulled out a few big plays. After a game filled mostly with short runs and check-down throws, Rudock and the Iowa offense targeted its trio of fleet-footed receivers on a key fourth-quarter possession.

First Rudock threw downfield to Tevaun Smith, who drew a pass-interference penalty on Northern Iowa.

Shortly after that, Rudock lofted a 46-yard strike to receiver Derrick Willies, who made a falling, fingertip catch inside the 15-yard line. And finally, Iowa threw a bubble screen to Damond Powell, who made his way through traffic for a 12-yard touchdown to give the Hawkeyes breathing room.

The Hawkeyes immediately forced a three-and-out, and a game that had been on upset alert was back in Iowa's control.

Iowa was helped in a big way by Northern Iowa penalties. The Panthers committed 16 penalties for a total of 128 yards.

Junior receiver Tevaun Smith made some big plays in the second half. He ripped off a weaving, field-crossing 35-yard run on a reverse handoff, and then made a circus one-handed catch in the end zone shortly after. His drawn pass-interference penalty also helped Iowa gain some momentum on its final scoring drive.